Questions about Hypopigmentation after laser hair removal (Photo)

It looks like you have a darker skin type, possibly type 5 or 6.  For your skin type, a YAG laser is the most appropriate type for hair removal.  If an Alex laser is used, there is a significant risk of hypopigmentation or even a vitiligo-like appearance which can be permanent.  Appropriate laser hair removal should not result in any scarring.  At Monroe Comprehensive Laser Center, we only use Yag laser for our darker skinned patients because of this.  There is not a truly effective treatment for this skin discoloration, even with subsequent sun exposure. Waxing or plucking hair with tweezers is not usually advised before laser hair removal because those processes remove hair closer to the root bulb and do not leave anything for the laser to "see" to remove.  However, that may be your only option in the now hypopigmented areas if a Yag laser is not available.

Hyperpigmentation and inflammation after your laser procedure is common. Skin care will help improve this as well as sun protection.  In general, hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.   I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.